Silver Lemon Thyme 'Silver Queen'

'Silver Queen' is a highly decorative and functional evergreen herb, prized in the UK for its striking variegated foliage and citrus scent. The small, oval leaves are mid-green with irregular, bright silvery-white margins, which take on a pinkish hue during the colder winter months. When bruised, the foliage releases a strong, clean lemon fragrance, making it a popular choice for flavouring chicken, fish, and vegetable dishes. In summer, it produces dainty terminal clusters of pale lilac-pink flowers that are very attractive to bees. It has a bushy, upright to spreading habit, reaching about 20-30cm in height. To thrive in a British garden, 'Silver Queen' requires a position in full sun and very well-drained soil; it is particularly suited to rock gardens, path edgings, or as part of a mixed container display. It is important to trim the plant back after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody and to maintain the density of its attractive variegated foliage.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Poor to moderately fertile, very well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.